35% of workers suffering from mental disturbance: DOH

By Charlie Lagasca, The Philippine Star

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – At least 35 percent of the country’s workforce both in the government and private sector are suffering from mental disturbance, the Department of Health (DOH) has said.

To curb this trend, the DOH-Center for Health Development (CHD) in the region is advising heads of agencies to let their employees undergo regular medical examinations to ensure mental fitness.

Citing a study, DOH-CHD regional director Rio Magpantay said most rank-and file employees suffer from mental disturbance. He said if not prevented, this could lead to health risks and complications, and “may result in low productivity and service delivery inefficiency.”

Magpantay said employees, especially those in the government, are entitled to regular medical check-up and must also be given time to do physical exercises in the office to avoid stress.

“Health of employees should also be given consideration to attain productivity in an office. The healthier the employees are, the more chances of achieving the productivity targets,” he said.

The health official also called on private agencies with no medical personnel to tap the services of government health centers and hospitals for regular medical examination of their workers.